Cops pursue stolen truck from Ocala to Alachua County

Thursday

A 31-year-old man was arrested Thursday afternoon following a high-speed chase on Interstate 75 that began in Ocala and ended in Alachua County.

Mijail S. Koshenskov faces several charges in Marion and Alachua counties. Police said Koshenskov also has an outstanding warrant out of Miami.

Ocala police were notified about a stolen 2013 Toyota Tacoma from Alachua County. Officer Christopher Paz spotted the truck at Scott Springs Park off Easy Street. And the officer, along with Sgt. Dustin Todd and Sgt. Josh Fried, went over to it.

There was a struggle between Paz and Koshenskov, who put the vehicle in reverse, according to OPD. The driver's side door knocked Paz to the ground.

Leaving the parking lot, Koshenskov drove toward the other officers, who got out of the way. Police said Paz was treated by emergency personnel and is expected to be fine.

Lt. Casey Eades, Capt. Greg Martin and Officer Ty O'Shields spotted the Toyota along Southwest 27th Avenue and pursued it, according to OPD. The chase continued onto Interstate 75. The Marion County Sheriff's Office Air Unit joined in the pursuit, as the Toyota reached speeds up to 100 mph.

Alachua County sheriff's deputies were notified and were ready when vehicles entered the county. Deputies placed stop sticks at Paynes Prairie, which deflated the passenger side tires of the truck.

The driver took the next exit and stopped on Williston Road west of I-75. He ran into the woods and was captured after a short foot chase, according the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.

In Ocala, police said Koshenskov faces charges of battery on a law enforcement official, possession of a stolen vehicle and fleeing and eluding. In Alachua County, the charges are fleeing and eluding police, grand theft of a motor vehicle, resisting an officer, and a third or subsequent offense of driving on a suspended license, according to jail records online.

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